Fear Of Flying – Outsmart It!

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010 at 5:15 PM

Is fear of flying keeping you from being free?

Fear Of Flying

Fear of Flying is a devastating problem, but you can get help. Read on to discover what it is possible, how with the right techniques, you can outsmart your emotions and learn to actually enjoy flying. Does this person’s description from Yahoo Answers sound all too painfully familiar?

An actual description of how the fear of flying feels

“I am claustrophobic and just feel all closed in in a tunnel in a plane….its not even that I’m so worried about it crashing…it’s just that I don’t feel in control, and how can I get over this fear quickly?”

Fear of flying can interfere with your plans when you need to travel by air. You need to be free to be able to travel for so many important reasons.

Those reasons might be holidays, business trips, vacations, visiting a friend or family, or just wanting to experience new places.

Fear of flying can cripple you in your career, family connections and limit your life experiences.

Like many people, do you bravely decide that this time it will be different, but at the last minute either cannot get on the plane, or do but spend hours in abject terror? In order to be able to overcome this fear and anxiety you have to follow these systematic steps:

1. Identify the causes and triggers of your fear and anxiety about flying. Any number of factors can contribute:

Claustrophobia – fear of enclosed spaces
Agoraphobia – the fear of open spaces
Acrophobia – the fear of heights
Fear of a panic attack in public
Fear of an accident
Fear of a hijacking
A previously traumatizing travel experienc
Sensational reports in the media about dangers
Fear of loss of control

2. Symptoms and Effects – Understand the nature of panic experiences and that they are temporary and will pass

Intense feelings of fear
Nausea and Vomiting
Difficulty breathing
Rapid heartbeat
Urgent need to get off the plane

3. Solutions to help you outsmart your fears

Educate yourself. Many airlines have programs to help people deal with fear of flying. These courses teach you all about planes, how they work, airline personnel and ground crews and how it all comes together to make you safe.

Enroll in a course or class teaching relaxation techniques you can employ when on a plane. These can include affirmations, deep breathing techniques among others proven to deal with stress.

High quality panic attack and general anxiety self-help programs are available which have excellent success rates with documented results. Do some research and find one that has helped others, and institute your own self help program. They can teach you effective techniques for eliminated panic attacks and anxiety in general.

Fear of flying no longer needs to stop you cold when you have the need or opportunity to travel by air. With education, understanding, relaxation techniques, and effective self help, you can leave this crippling condition behind.